The morning after Hurricane Harvey, I saw a Houston café shut down- no power, no AC, no business. It was a clear reminder of how fast storms can disrupt everything. While many prepare for wind and rain, the HVAC system is often overlooked. Yet without it, keeping your space safe and comfortable in Texas heat is nearly impossible.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to get your commercial HVAC system hurricane-ready and why investing in commercial HVAC services in Houston can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways:
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8 Steps To Take Strengthen Your HVAC Before The Storm
It’s common to think storm prep is just about water and batteries until one gains direct experience of how crucial it is to protect systems like HVAC. The focus should be on guarding systems that maintain the status quo, HVAC included. As a business owner in Houston, you know how important it is to maintain comfortable air inside for your employees and customers, even during a pandemic. That’s why addressing your HVAC before hurricane season arrives is one of the smartest steps you can take.
So, how can you be one step ahead?
1. Schedule Routine Maintenance
Just as you would never hesitate to get an oil change to keep your car running smoothly, the same applies to your HVAC system. Maintenance and inspections, preferably from an experienced provider, allow small issues to be identified before they become costly problems.
I always recommend a professional examination just before the start of hurricane season. Preventive maintenance for commercial HVAC systems is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and avoid costly downtime.
2. Secure Outdoor Equipment
Storms can wreak havoc on outdoor HVAC units. High winds and flying debris pose serious risks to condensers, rooftop units, and exposed components. A few proactive steps can significantly reduce the chance of costly damage:
Anchor all exterior HVAC units securely
Use hurricane-rated straps, brackets, or tie-down kits. Ensure fasteners are corrosion-resistant and professionally installed; especially for rooftop or elevated units.
Use a protective cover before the storm hits
Apply a manufacturer-approved tarp or cover, secured with bungee cords or sandbags. Avoid plastic sheeting or loose materials that can trap moisture or become flying debris.
Clear nearby hazards
Trim tree branches and remove loose items like patio furniture, tools, or signage. Even a small branch can crack fan blades or puncture coils if winds are strong enough.
Inspect rooftop drainage and platform stability
For flat-roof commercial buildings, confirm the HVAC base is secure and water isn’t pooling around the unit, which can destabilize it during storms.
Schedule seasonal inspections
Make pre-hurricane season checks part of your preventive HVAC maintenance plan to identify and fix vulnerabilities before it’s too late.
3. Raise The Whole Unit Should Flood Be Predicted
Flooding is one of Houston’s most persistent and damaging hurricane threats. Elevating your HVAC system is a practical solution that can make a big difference in storm resilience:
Install a raised platform
Elevate the condenser or packaged unit above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) using a concrete or steel stand. This protects components from water intrusion and prolongs system life.
Lower insurance premiums
Some providers offer reduced premiums for buildings with elevated critical systems, making this a financially smart upgrade in flood-prone zones.
Know your property’s risk level
Areas like downtown Houston, the Heights, and industrial zones are especially prone to pooling water. If your business is located there, elevation is a must.
Upgrade to flood-resistant HVAC models
Consider newer systems with:
- Sealed electrical components
- Corrosion-proof coils and panels
- Raised condensate pumps
Learn more about these options in our guide to HVAC upgrades for flood-vulnerable properties.
Have your system evaluated
A licensed HVAC technician can assess your property and recommend flood mitigation strategies tailored to your layout and equipment.
4. Manage Power Risks
Hurricanes often bring power instability outages, surges, and spikes which can silently ruin expensive HVAC components. Here’s how to protect your system:
Install surge protection
- Use commercial-grade surge protectors to redirect excess voltage
- Choose models compatible with rooftop, split, or multi-zone systems
- It’s a small investment compared to replacing circuit boards or compressors
Set up a backup power source
- Ideal for mission-critical businesses (healthcare, hospitality, tech)
- Options include whole-building generators or dedicated HVAC backups
- Maintains airflow, humidity control, and comfort during outages
Shut down your HVAC properly before the storm
- Prevents electrical damage from abrupt outages
- Ask your HVAC technician for the safest shutdown procedure for your system
- Many smart systems can be programmed for remote or automatic shutdown
Schedule a post-storm inspection before restarting
- Hidden damage (like water in control panels) can worsen if power is restored too soon
- A post-storm HVAC inspection ensures it’s safe to resume normal operation
Why You Must Seek Commercial HVAC Help From Professional
No one is expected to handle all of this alone. For those serious about business security, hiring professionals is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity. Here’s why hiring the professional matters:
1. Climate And Risk Awareness Of Houston
Local HVAC companies know Houston’s weather patterns, flood zones, and infrastructure challenges intimately. For instance, we have decades of experience preparing HVAC systems in hurricane-prone areas. Besides, we provide tailored solutions specific to your building and location; especially for unique spaces like industrial warehouses.
2. Rigorous System Reviews
An inspection once revealed rusted connection points and a compromised base support on what I thought was a well-maintained HVAC system. Such risks often go unnoticed without professional assessments. Experts conduct thorough inspections and advise on reinforcements, upgrades, or repairs based on system age and exposure.
3. Emergency Response Plans
I once realized how critical it is to have a plan before the storm hits. After hurricanes, reliable post-storm commercial HVAC services are vital. Emergency HVAC services minimize disruption, speed up recovery, and support smoother insurance claims. Having a trusted service partner ready for repairs and replacements after a storm is critical.Â
4. Long-term Planning Assistance
Experts help replace outdated systems with more durable, energy-efficient HVAC units. This isn’t just about savings it’s about ensuring ongoing operations through extreme weather. These investments pay off in the long run.
Additionally, upgrading your commercial HVAC system can increase energy efficiency, reduce maintenance needs, and better withstand storms.
How To Choose Suitable Hvac Systems For Businesses
Not all HVAC systems for businesses are created equal. I’ve seen some businesses bounce back quickly after storms while others struggled for weeks.
The difference often comes down to the quality and specifications of their HVAC equipment. With hurricane season here, selecting the right system is crucial whether upgrading or installing new.
1. Systems Appropriate For Your Company Size And Requirements
A small retail store won’t need the same system as a large warehouse. Professionals evaluate your business needs square footage, building type, insulation, and usage to recommend the right system. From rooftop packages to fully centralized solutions, they’ll guide you to what works best.
2. Even Cooling Throughout The Building
In business environments like clinics, showrooms, or offices, a central system is critical for consistent temperature control. Central air systems also offer better security as an all-in-one unit, an advantage in storm-prone areas where securing equipment matters.
3. Prioritize Energy Efficiency
Hurricane season stresses your system and your utility bill. Choosing HVAC units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings or ENERGY STAR certification helps reduce operating costs and withstand power outages more effectively.
4. Select Systems Built To Last
Weather-resistant components and sealed electrical systems designed for demanding environments can mean the difference between quick recovery and prolonged downtime after storms.
5. Smart Controls For Remote Access
New HVAC units often come with smart thermostats and monitoring capabilities. This lets you control your system remotely, so if a storm approaches and you forget to shut it down, you can still act.
If I could offer one piece of advice: don’t buy a system for today buy one designed for tomorrow. Your business needs to survive beyond the storm.
5 Things To Keep In Mind After The Hurricane For Commercial HVAC
Hurricanes create chaos even when you prepare. I’ve seen businesses with excellent systems still needing major resets after storms.
The good news: your post-storm response can significantly impact recovery speed and reduce long-term damage. If you did your homework and partnered with good HVAC professionals, you’re already on the right track.
Here’s what I recommend once the skies clear:
1. Give Your HVAC System A Thorough Inspection
Even if everything looks fine externally, wind, water, or power surges may have damaged internal components. Never power on your system at full capacity immediately after a storm. I’ve learned the hard way this can cause more damage. Always have a professional inspection before resuming full operation.
2. Avoid DIY Repairs
It’s tempting to open panels or reconnect wires yourself, but commercial HVAC technicians have the training, tools, and safety protocols to fix problems efficiently and safely.
3. Document Any Visible Damage
Take photos, videos, and notes of any damage. This documentation can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims. A history of routine maintenance, like that provided by professional HVAC services, strengthens your case and speeds claims processing.
4. Review Your Disaster Readiness Plan
Every storm offers lessons maybe you need more surge protection or better securing of rooftop units. I update my storm readiness plan after each event, and I recommend you do the same. Use these lessons to improve your approach.
5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Early
Once everything is functional again, don’t wait for the next hurricane season. Sign up for routine maintenance with a reputable company to keep your system running efficiently year-round.
I’ve witnessed businesses recover faster because they prepared both before and after storms. Recovery is more than restoring function it’s about building resilience for the next challenge.
Keep Your Commercial HVAC Prepared For Hurricanes
If there’s one thing hurricane season has taught me, it’s that peace of mind comes from being prepared not just hoping for the best. Your HVAC system plays a bigger role than you might realize in keeping your business running safely and smoothly during a storm.
At Texas Central Air, we’ve helped countless Houston businesses weather the worst with proactive planning and durable HVAC solutions. Whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or preparing your system, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s get your business ready before the next storm hits.
FAQs
What Should I Do If My HVAC System Was On During the Storm?
Turn it off and have it inspected before restarting. Hidden damage from power surges or debris can cause serious issues. We can check it safely.
Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage To HVAC Systems?
Usually, yes but you’ll need clear documentation. Take photos and keep maintenance records. We often help with inspection reports for claims.
When Is It Safe To Restart My HVAC After A Storm?
Only after a professional inspection. Even if it looks fine, internal damage could make it unsafe. We recommend a full check first.
Should I Upgrade My HVAC Just For Hurricane Season?
If your system is old or vulnerable, yes. Upgrades improve storm resistance and efficiency. We can help you decide what’s best.
How Do I Protect Rooftop HVAC Units In A Hurricane?
Use hurricane straps, covers, and check the base. We offer storm-proofing services tailored to Houston’s rooftop systems.
